refine details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refine details" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to making small improvements or adjustments to something to make it better. For example, "We need to refine the details in our plan if we want it to be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

A government spokesperson says both governments are continuing to "refine details" before the new program comes online.

The Guardian

[Sir Alex] Ferguson taught him a lot, I've only had to refine details. "I've told him that goals are best scored within the 12-metre zone.

The Guardian - Sport

"Talks with the BMA about the proposed new contract for junior doctors have been adjourned until 4 and 5 January 2016, though work to refine details is continuing in the interim between members of our teams.

The Guardian

As lawmakers worked Tuesday to refine details of the package, the new spirit of collaboration raised hopes of swift action on broader measures that some Democrats say could potentially help as many as 1.5 million homeowners by refinancing riskier adjustable-rate mortgages into traditional 30-year loans.

The New York Times

Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, which is leading negotiations alongside the Department of Health, criticised the way in which the message had been posted before the completion of negotiations, and said talks had been "adjourned" until the 4th or 5th or January, but that work to "refine details" was ongoing.

Independent

The next most significant property of a star is its age, which fixes its current character, the age of its planetary system, and the evolutionary state of its environment, and moreover which can be used to refine details in the theory of how stars evolve.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Looshaus defines luxury as the 20th century later came to perceive it: fine materials, polished surfaces, sumptuous spaces, refined details.

The New York Times - Magazine

A series of improvised figure studies for a major picture, "The Luncheon on the Grass," shows him dutifully working out elements of the composition and refining details of pose and dress.

The New York Times - Arts

Indung Panca Putra, a researcher at the Archaeological Office, said the temples' walls and statues contained refined details not found in the dozen small Hindu and Buddhist temples discovered in this area.

The New York Times

At the Ice House last month, they tirelessly went through their program over and over, refining details like an arm thrust or a hand position, and tried to keep from getting too excited.

The New York Times - Sports

From the visit, it seems likely that one version of the bombing plot that has circulated widely here -- that there was a separate group of men monitoring the harbor from the Rock Hill flat, refining details of the plan and possibly guiding the bombers to their target -- seems less likely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refine details" when you want to indicate that you are making small, precise improvements rather than large-scale changes.

Common error

Avoid using "refine details" when the changes being made are substantial or involve a complete overhaul. Instead, use terms like "redevelop", "overhaul", or "completely revise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refine details" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating an action performed on specific aspects. It suggests making small improvements to existing elements, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples and its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refine details" is a grammatically correct phrase that is used to describe the act of making small, precise improvements to specific aspects of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and wiki content. When using this phrase, ensure that the changes are indeed refinements rather than substantial overhauls. Remember to focus on improving existing details rather than adding completely new ones. Alternatives like "sharpen details" and "perfect the specifics" can be used for variety, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharpen details

Emphasizes making details clearer and more distinct.

perfect the specifics

Focuses on achieving flawlessness in particular aspects.

improve the intricacies

Highlights enhancing the more complex and subtle parts.

fine-tune aspects

Suggests making small adjustments for optimal performance.

polish the elements

Implies smoothing out imperfections in individual components.

hone the particulars

Focuses on making precise improvements to specific items.

streamline the features

Emphasizes making the characteristics more efficient and effective.

calibrate the nuances

Suggests adjusting subtle differences for accuracy.

adjust the components

Involves modifying individual parts to achieve a desired result.

tweak the attributes

Implies making small changes to characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "refine details" in a sentence?

You can use "refine details" to describe making small improvements or adjustments to something. For example, "The team met to refine the details of the marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "refine details"?

Alternatives to "refine details" include "sharpen details", "perfect the specifics", or "fine-tune aspects" depending on the context.

Is it better to "refine details" or "add details"?

"Refine details" implies improving existing information, while "add details" means including new information. The better choice depends on whether you're improving existing information or incorporating new facts.

What does it mean to "refine the details" in a plan?

To "refine the details" in a plan means to make small, precise improvements to the plan's specific elements, ensuring clarity and effectiveness. It involves polishing the existing framework rather than creating a new one.